Kashmir

Kashmir is a Himalayan valley in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, lying between the Pir Panjal range and the Great Himalaya. The Jhelum river runs through it, and its main city is Srinagar, the summer capital.

Travellers come for Dal Lake and its houseboats, the Mughal gardens of Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, the Gurez valley and much more. Kashmir is known for pashmina and Kani shawls, carpets, papier-mache and walnut wood carving. Its food is the wazwan, a multi-course feast cooked by hereditary chefs. Srinagar's tulip garden, the largest in Asia, opens each spring, and the saffron fields of Pampore flower in late October.

The best time to visit Kashmir is April to October, while December to February brings snow and skiing at Gulmarg. Indian travellers need no permit for the valley, but some border areas, such as Gurez, need registration.

Pollen Dots plans customised journeys anywhere in Kashmir, with local hosts, stays and guides. Browse the journeys and stories below, or write to us to plan a journey around what you want to see.